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    When you hear the words “bath salts,” you might think of something that smells nice and makes your bath more relaxing. But the bath salts we’re talking about here are very different – and dangerous.

    Bath salts are lab-made (known as “synthetic”) drugs that act like powerful stimulants. They are part of a group of drugs called substituted cathinones, which are concentrated versions of the chemical found naturally in the khat plant.

    The main chemicals found in bath salts are:

    • Methylenedioxy pyrovalerone (MDPV)
    • Mephedrone
    • Methylone

    These human-made chemicals can cause extreme and unpredictable effects on the brain and body, functioning similar to cocaine, methamphetamine, and ecstasy.

    Not the Kind of Bath Salts You Use in the Tub

    It’s important to know that the drug called bath salts has nothing to do with bathing products. In fact, the drug version is marketed under fake labels like bath salts, plant food, cleaners, or “research chemicals” to hide what they really are.1 Often, the label will read, “Not for human consumption.”

    They are usually sold as a white or off-white powder, though they can look slightly yellow. Sometimes they come in tablets or capsules and are sold in small foil or plastic packets. Bath salts may also be cheaper and more accessible than other illegal drugs, which can make them appealing for consumers.2

    People consume bath salts in different ways:

    • Snort it as a powder
    • Swallow it
    • Smoke it
    • Inject after mixing with liquid

    Where Teens Might Get Bath Salts

    Bath salts are illegal in the United States, but that doesn’t always stop people from finding them. They are often sold in misleading ways – sometimes even in plain sight.

    Here are some ways teens might access them:

    • Online: Some websites disguise bath salts as “plant food,” “cleaners,” or “research chemicals” to get around the law. These sites may look legitimate but are often illegal and based overseas.
    • Gas stations or smoke shops: While crackdowns have stopped many, some stores have been known to sell synthetic drugs under innocent-sounding brand names.
    • Friends or social media: Teens may hear about bath salts from friends, group chats, or social media videos that downplay how dangerous they are. Given that bath salts are often cheap to produce, teens might know people who can make and sell them.
    • Street sales: Bath salts may be sold like other illegal drugs, often in small packets with flashy labels, making them particularly appealing to young people.

    It’s important for parents to know that just because something is sold online or in a store doesn’t make it safe or legal. Many of these products contain unknown chemicals that can cause life-threatening reactions.

    How Bath Salts Affect the Brain and Body

    Bath salts act as powerful stimulants, speeding up the brain and body. The high usually starts within 15 minutes and lasts four to six hours, but the effects can linger much longer.

    Short-term effects can include:

    • Extreme paranoia or fear that someone is out to get you
    • Violent or aggressive behavior
    • Confusion and hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real)
    • Suicidal thoughts or self-harm
    • Fast heartbeat, chest pain, or high blood pressure

    Because these drugs affect the brain’s reward system—just like cocaine or methamphetamine—they can be highly addictive. People may feel a strong urge to take more even after scary or harmful experiences.

    Warning Signs Someone Might Be Using Bath Salts

    If you’re worried that your teen or someone you care about might be using bath salts, watch for changes such as:

    • Sudden agitation or aggression
    • Acting paranoid or confused
    • Hallucinations or talking to things that aren’t there
    • Not sleeping or acting restless
    • Complaining of chest pain or fast heartbeat

    These behaviors can be frightening and may require immediate help.

    What To Do If You’re Concerned

    If you suspect someone is using bath salts or other drugs, it’s important to respond with care, not anger.

    Here are some steps you can take:

    1. Start a calm conversation.
      Try saying something like, “I’ve noticed you seem really on edge lately. I’m worried about you—can we talk about what’s been going on?”
    2. Listen first.
      Teens are more likely to open up when they feel heard rather than judged.
    3. Reach out for professional help.
      Contact your child’s doctor, a mental health counselor, or call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free, confidential support 24/7.
    4. Act fast in an emergency.
      If someone becomes violent, paranoid, or talks about hurting themselves, call 911 immediately. 988 is also an option if someone is in mental health crisis.

    The Bottom Line

    Bath salts are dangerous synthetic drugs, not harmless bath products. Even small amounts can cause severe mental and physical effects, including paranoia, acts of violence, or death.

    Knowing the facts about how these drugs are made, how teens might get them, and what signs to look for can help parents and caregivers protect their teens. Honest, ongoing conversations make a real difference.

    The Partnership

    Last Updated

    December 2025

    1 National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Bath Salts DrugFacts.

    2 U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Drugs of Abuse: Bath Salts (Synthetic Cathinones).